Traditionally included in the back matter is:

The image above is in the back matter of my book,Ìý
It’s crucial for the long-term success of your book that you optimize both the front matter and the back matter. If you have any questions, by all means, leave a comment below and ask away!

​​​​​​​If you haven’t already, grab a copy ofÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.

That’s called the “front matter.â€� Although some readers skip right over it, it can do some heavy lifting when it comes to author-reader engagement.Ìý
Traditionally included in front matter is:

FrontispieceÌý(the black and white mirror image of the front cover),Ìý

Title pageÌý(print the title and author name as it appears on the cover and the spine).

Copyright page:Ìýalso called a “colophon,â€� it’s on the reverse of the title page, containing technical publishing information such as edition dates, copyrights, typefaces, ISBN, as well as publisher and printer names.

Dedication page (optional):Ìýa page where the author names the person or people for whom they have written the book.

Table of contents:Ìýthe list of chapter headings and subheadings (optional) along with the respective page numbers.Ìý

Foreword (optional):Ìýan introduction written by another person, usually coming before the preface.

Preface or Introduction (optional):Ìýan introduction written by the author.

Acknowledgments

What’s missing from this list is a critical piece ofÌýfront matterÌýthat can simultaneously maximize and multiply future engagement with your reader. You’ll add it right in those beginning pages of the book, and in just a moment, I’ll tell you why.

First, let me tell you what itÌýis.

Among these pages, I add a single page with a “special invitationâ€� or “reader bonus,â€� in internet marketing circles, what’s known as a “shy yes.â€� The special invitation is meant to grab the reader’s email address, in exchange for something they’d really like to have (and ordinarily have to pay for), such as a:Ìý

~bonus chapter–something that didn’t make the book, but would also be helpful,Ìý

~a free checklist or a reference list, or

~even a free copy or two-free chapters from another book, which is what I’ve given you an example of, above. (Go ahead, try it out!)

The options are endless!

I usually place mine right after theÌýTable of ContentsÌýand before anyÌý¹ó´Ç°ù±ð·É´Ç°ù»åÌý(or if there’s no Foreword, then the Introduction). The page doesn’t have to be specially designed (in other words, it can just be text), and should be simple.Ìý

You go here: insert URL to get: insert BONUS.
The image above? Yeah, that’s in the front matter of my book,ÌýTall Order! Organize Your Life and Double Your Success…in Half the Time!

Both are business books. Usually, someone who readsÌýBusiness DatingÌý°ù±ð²¹»å²õÌýTall Order!Ìý(and vice versa). Even as you’re writing your book, you can be thinking about how you can engage with readers–and email is the very best way to have contact with them–through their Inbox.

Spend some time defining what you want to add to your front matter, and I’ll be back with some insight into what goes into yourÌýback matterÌýnext week!

Why?

Because the publisher’s job is to publish a book professionally. To ensure the quality and content are top-shelf. To publish on time. Not to market or sell books.

Now it’s true: if you have a large platform, traditional publishers will garner you some PR, get expanded distribution for your book, and even place your book in some hard-to-reach places.

But at the end of the day, for the book to become a true best-selling and best-earning) book, you (the author) will need to market, market, market.

The good news is you can professionally publish it yourself, and . The best news is that with a creative, intentional book marketing plan, you can not only earn substantial royalties from the sales of your book, you can also turn your book in to multiple streams of income.

Oh, and one more thing: book marketing is fun! Connecting with readers, sharing your knowledge and expertise–all fun! So, create a book marketing plan consistent with the vision and goals you have for your book and get your book out there! You and your book deserve it!

If you’d like help designing your book marketing plan, I can help. I provide Strategic Book Coaching to a limited number of authors each year. Email [email protected] to availability and pricing.

If you want to stand out,
have a book to hand out!

Not only do you get to say, “I’m an author!� when someone asks what you do for a living, there are several other benefits that come after you publish.

You become an expert ( the expert!) in your field. Saying you’re an expert isn’t enough. Having a book removes all doubt.

You can raise your professional fees. No matter what you charge now, being an author makes it easy to charge more.

You will be quoted in articles, publications, and yes, even other books. Yes, your book is the gateway to boosting your brand and gaining even more recognition.

You can turn your knowledge and expertise into multiple streams of income. Among them: speaking, consulting, coaching, teaching courses, and so much more.

Your readers can become your fans, clients, and friends (not necessarily in that order). Sometimes, they become all three!

It takes a lot of planning, work, and yes, writing to finally see your name on the cover of your own book, yet I bet you won’t find an author anywhere who wouldn’t encourage you to take the plunge. Including me.

In fact, I believe every professional should write a book! That’s why I devote a large chunk of my time to helping them do just that. Is it your turn? Are you ready? I’d love to help!

Where are you in the process of writing your book?

I hear a lot of faux info regarding writers and making money, and I thought I’d do a series addressing them one by one. Let’s start with:

Myth #1: You can’t make any money from a book.

I hear this oneÌýa lot.ÌýAlmost every aspiring author I speak to has been told (by at least one well-meaning neighbor, aunt, or colleague) that making money from a book is a fool’s errand.

My answer?ÌýIncorrect.It is entirelyÌý possible to make money from a book, as well as make money as a result of a book (i.e., using a book to generate fees from professional services, coaching, speaking, consulting, and so much more).

Also, you don’t have to choose: you can generate income in multiple ways.

I’ll give you three examples:

I earn a six-figure income from my books, and I earn a separate six-figure income as a result of business activities I engage in through my books (see my signature, below).

My business partner inÌýhas turned his income-generating book into multiple streams of income.

This is a fiction writer whose publishing company earns (reportedly) seven figuresÌýa month. As of this writing, he’s ranked #31 overall in the Amazon store. Not bad for being a guy who just wanted to earn $50,000 a year from writing books and move to Mexico.

And the three examples above are just three ofÌýmany.Ìý

You absolutely can earn money from a book–your book–and I say with this certainty. But here’s the fine print: your book has to be a quality product, published professionally, and marketed unceasingly. Unsurprisingly, just like any other business or product.

What’s your biggest question about crafting, writing, publishing, launching, or marketing your book? I’d love to know!ÌýLeave your question in the comments.

*Want to write a new book, re-publish a previous title, or learn how to market your book creatively? Schedule a discovery session with me to see how I can help. Just emailÌý[email protected].